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Elders announces major sponsorship for cancer research initiative

Elders have this week announced their partnership with Tail End Charlie, the tractor taking on Australia to raise funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) and Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA.)

Starting in Wundowie, WA on 7 July for the 60th Anniversary Run, Tail End Charlie will traverse the country, finishing back in WA at the National Ballooning Championships in Northam on 2 September.

Tail End Charlie’s story originates from the Mobilgas Round Australia Rally in 1957 where Ron Bywaters, a fresh faced twenty-two year old sales cadet was set the challenge of building a crew to enter a 1955 Chamberlain Tractor as a sweep vehicle. Although not qualifying for the race as a competitor, the tractor was allowed to participate as support to the race vehicles and managed to finish in 19 days.

In 2007 the new Tail End Charlie took to the streets in a 50 year anniversary re-enactment of the 1957 Rally with Mr. Bywaters once again on the crew. The event took 38 days and raised $22,000 for the Breast Cancer Association of W.A. and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Now more than 177 years old and Australia’s oldest operating agribusiness, Elders has a long history tied into communities small and large across the nation. The sponsorship of Tail End Charlie highlights the importance that Elders places on supporting the people and towns of rural Australia.

Elders chief executive officer, Mark Allison says that the sponsorship aligns to Elders’ priorities of supporting the local communities in which the business operates.

“Our clients are the lifeline of our business, so it is always our focus to assist them in whatever capacity we can – whether that be in the sale yards, the paddock, the office or through local community initiatives,” says Mr. Allison.

Safety and wellbeing is a major focus for the Company and is embedded within the culture through programs like Elders’ Stand Up Speak Up campaign, raising awareness about issues affecting employees. In addition, Elders has committed to providing financial assistance to key rural charities through its new partnership program Elders Give It.

“The Elders pink shirt has become an iconic symbol of our brand within many towns across Australia,” says Mr. Allison.

“We want this recognition to accompany a reputation for operating with integrity and being a part of the local community; a company going above and beyond to add value to our clients,” he says.

The original 1957 Tail End Charlie team

Tail End Charlie will travel across Australia stopping at approximately fifty locations, with Elders sponsorship funding costs involved in the trip, as well as hosting events to further the cause through local branches in many towns.

Tail End Charlie Rally Event Manager Ron Bywaters says the most important aspect of the event is raising awareness for prostate and breast cancer.

“Early detection is the key to winning the battle against these forms of cancer so we need to spread the word within rural communities about just how important it is for both men and women to have regular screening,” says Mr. Bywaters.

“We are grateful to Elders for partnering with us to achieve this goal.”

Donations and sponsorships are still being sought, for more information contact the Northam Visitors Centre on 9622 2100. More information and promotional items may be sourced from the Northam Visitors Centre or www.tailendcharliethetractor.org.